The Rise of West Hollywood

Liberal, stylish and at times hedonistic, West Hollywood is famous for its all-night entertainment, youthful culture, beautiful people and palm tree-lined streets with views of the iconic Hollywood sign.

The boundaries

Situated in the heart of Los Angeles County, West Hollywood (or WeHo as it’s called) is between Beverly Hills and East Hollywood, and it lies at the foot of the Hollywood Hills. It is not a defined area but it goes as far as La Brea Avenue to the east, Doheny Drive to the west, Beverly Boulevard to the southeast and slightly beyond Sunset Boulevard to the north.

The combination of the “services and design, along with the views and location make it highly sought-after,” Mr. Goldsmith said.

“This area was big in the 1980s when rock and roll was at the height of its popularity, but it has slowly lost its edge and now it is getting a new look and becoming more high end,” Mr. Goldsmith said.

What makes it unique?

The location, nightlife, scenery, its close-knit community are what draw people to West Hollywood,“ Mr. Goldsmith said. I"t is only 12 miles from downtown Los Angeles, yet it has a small-town feel.”

Who lives there?

The neighborhood has a large gay community and draws aspiring artists and people starting out in the film and entertainment business. It is not hugely popular with families because the houses are quite small.

Lots of wealthy young people live here, but it is socially diverse, too, as there are rent-controlled apartments. “You can rent a one-bedroom home for as little as $800 a month,” Mr. Goldsmith said. “An equivalent property on the open market would cost as much as $1,500.”

Outlook

West Hollywood has always been in demand and it is getting more popular, according to Mr. Goldsmith.